Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Real Estate Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Florida Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Elder Law for Florida on
Q: Both my name and my mother's name are on the deed to her house. Also, her will directs the house to pass to me.

However, her boyfriend lives with her and has made his intentions for the house known to me. Although he pays her rent every month, he does so in cash so no trace exists. What am I looking at here in the future? Will he have a claim to the house because he lives there?

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on May 4, 2024

Since they are not married and he pays monthly rent to your Mom to rent part of the house as a tenant, it sounds like he is a month to month renter, since he is not married he has no rights, since he is not on the deed he has no rights. The house should pass to you via the deed (this needs to be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Does a 100% Disabled Veteran have to pay for permits to replace a trailer if the one on the property is unpalatable

We inherited the property so we sold our house thinking it just needed a roof but after our house sold and we entered it was unpalatable so we have to replace it so we have somewhere to live but aren't sure of the steps for permits. We're in Pasco County Florida, not Orlando

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 1, 2024

Thank you for your military service.

As a 100% disabled veteran, you may be eligible for certain benefits and exemptions when it comes to permits and fees for replacing your trailer in Pasco County, Florida. However, you will still need to follow the necessary steps to obtain the required...
View More

4 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Civil litigation on a real estate lis pendon case

I am writing to seek your expert legal opinion and guidance regarding a complex situation I am currently facing. Here is a summary of the circumstances:

- Two years ago, I purchased a home and followed all the necessary procedures, including hiring a title company.

- It has come to... View More

Jane Kim
Jane Kim pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 30, 2024

There is no way anyone can sift through this on this platform and provide legal guidance.

Please note that a lawyer at the title company is not your lawyer, so that s/he does not represent you and does not have your best interest in mind. Certainly, you must retain your own lawyer to...
View More

View More Answers

4 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Civil litigation on a real estate lis pendon case

I am writing to seek your expert legal opinion and guidance regarding a complex situation I am currently facing. Here is a summary of the circumstances:

- Two years ago, I purchased a home and followed all the necessary procedures, including hiring a title company.

- It has come to... View More

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 30, 2024

Title Insurance procedures, requirements, etc. are not title law. I doubt that the absence of a uninterested spouse signing the Deed over to you is of any legal significance to your title. Hire an attorney, not a title company, to search that title.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Florida on
Q: In NC, how could I get a friends property deed re-assigned to me, since my friend passed away? Are there forms for this?

none at this time.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 29, 2024

I'm sorry for your loss. The process for transferring property after the owner has passed away depends on a few factors. Here is some general information, but you may need to consult with a probate attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

First, it depends on how the property...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law, Land Use & Zoning and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: No Fruit Trees - HOA? Can anything be done to secure my rights

No Fruit Trees - HOA?

Just notice in the HOA handbook (which no one gave us but is listed in facebook - because everyone uses that right!!!) -No fruit bearing trees are permitted.

However, it doesn't say whether it's a backyard rule or not. In addition, I have a FENCED in... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Apr 21, 2024

Of your HOA says no fruit trees, it's no fruit trees. You signed up when you bought your house for the HOA rules in place then, and as changed. You may not like it, you may think it's a stupid rule, but it's a rule. Courts will not overturn an HOA rule as long as the rule is not... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for Florida on
Q: I have an enhanced life estate document that was notarized for my father's house. the notary acknowledgment may incorre

the notary acknowledgment may incorrect. The “forgoing instrument” is missing and it only says the person is known to me and produced a drivers license. Is that ok and is the document valid. I live in Florida.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 16, 2024

In Florida, the notarization of documents, including enhanced life estate deeds, must adhere to certain standards to ensure their validity. A key element of notarization is the acknowledgment section, where the notary confirms the identity of the signer and that the signer understands and willingly... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: Is it legal in Florida for me to rent out a property for vacation rentals if I'm renting it annually or renting to own?
Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Apr 16, 2024

That depends on the language in any documents you signed for the rental/lease to own, which we cannot review in this online forum. You would need to check these documents to see if there is a prohibition against subleasing and, if you are in a community association, you need to check with the... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for Florida on
Q: if a defendant did not answer a specific interrogatory - who do I make them answer.
Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
PREMIUM
Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr. pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 15, 2024

In Florida, you must first reach out to the defendant and try to resolve the matter; that is get him/her to agree to supply a better answer. If that does not work, then you need to do a motion to compel better answer(s) and send that along with a notice of hearing set before your judge. I suggest... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Rights and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: Real estate law and fraud, contract made up and Supposidly got a loan on the equity on my home thru a LLC COMP

Name of the Title and deed without telling me and has dated it for

January 2022, which I didn’t even know them yet. Secondly, they did not pay me for the sale of house the full amount that they told the clerk of court thirdly was supposed to have an escrow account and they have yet to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 11, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems there are several serious legal issues and potential fraud involved in your situation. Here are a few key points and recommendations:

1. Fraudulent deed transfer: If the title and deed to your home were transferred to an LLC without...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: How can I transfer ownership of my deceased parents property in Lehigh, Florida ?

My father predeceased my mother and she was the inheritor of his estate. My mother passed away in 2022, and I am the Executor and sole beneficiary of her estate. Can you tell me how to change the property into my name, as I would like to sell it. I have their wills and death certificates and have... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Apr 6, 2024

I am very sorry that you have lost both of your parents. The answer to your question is that it depends, you will want to have the property deed reviewed by a probate attorney and it is possible and even likely that you will need at least one probate done and possibly two if your dad's probate... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: How can I transfer ownership of my deceased parents property in Lehigh, Florida ?

My father predeceased my mother and she was the inheritor of his estate. My mother passed away in 2022, and I am the Executor and sole beneficiary of her estate. Can you tell me how to change the property into my name, as I would like to sell it. I have their wills and death certificates and have... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Apr 7, 2024

Depending on the value of the estate, you could pursue summary administration or formal administration. However, if the assets are titled in a way that they could pass outside probate (like a joint account, a TOD account or trust account with your name on said title), then probate could be avoided.... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: FL: Does selling a property through a Special Magistrate have rules/stipulations on what can be an acceptable offer?

I own a property 50% and an estate owns the other 50% - it is currently up for sale by a realtor but the listing agreement is about to expire and we have not yet sold the property. The executor of estate is threatening to file a Partition that would have a court appointed employee responsible for... View More

James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Apr 4, 2024

In a partition, the court will order the sale. The method of sale can be open market, sealed bid, or auction. If the parties cannot agree on a price to sell the property, the commissioner appointed by the court will set the price. It is likely though that the court would put the property up for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Contracts for Florida on
Q: What forms/documents I need to pay the neighbor downstairs for bathroom toilet leak?

Hello,

I have a neighbor downstairs who said a few months ago that there was a damage to her ceiling because of leak from my bathroom. I 'm an the owner of unit upstairs. I called the plumbing company then 6 months ago and they did water test in my apartment. Her bathroom ceiling was... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 31, 2024

A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. At the very least, you'd probably want to use a release. Generally speaking, that's a form a claimant signs to confirm that they accept a certain sum of money to settle a claim. A local attorney who... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Real Estate Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: What do you do if forced. Under the threat of of bodily and family harm to sign a Florida quick deed?

I was forced to sign a quick deed to property that I own. By a Ex-prison con artist who kept threatening my and still is threatening my family. What can I do?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 30, 2024

If you were coerced into signing a quitclaim deed under threats, it's important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your family. The first step is to contact law enforcement to report the threats and the coercion. They can offer protection and advice on how to proceed safely.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: A buyer did not hold up his end of a bill of sale while buying a property. He had 1 week to come up with 5k its been 3.

When I got to my property to sell to buyer for 21k cash with a quit claim deed. Buyer had 3k cash and 13k check. Seller agreed to give him till end of week for 5k. Seller also agreed to get quit claim deed notarized so when money was transferred could send to county. All of this was in bill of... View More

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Mar 26, 2024

There are lots of problems with this transaction, including the fact that you are selling real estate without using a lawyer. No one can provide you any meaningful answer here in this online forum because we cannot review the "bill of sale" or other purchase agreement you may or may not... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Considering owner financing “chattel” a mobile home in a park with lot rent (thus no land). Location Flagler County, FL.

Considering owner financing “chattel” a mobile home in a community park with lot rent (thus no land). Location Flagler County Florida.

How do I draw up a contract that keeps parties fairly protected? Likely buyer needs title to insure, get tag/taxes (like a car DMV) and community park.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 26, 2024

When creating a contract for owner financing a mobile home in a park, it's crucial to have clear terms that protect both parties. You can opt for a lien on the property while the buyer holds the title, which allows them to insure the mobile home and comply with local regulations. It's... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Tax Law, Real Estate Law and Cannabis & Marijuana Law for Florida on
Q: I'm a GM working for a dispensary. I pay federal taxes out of my check but I can't get an FHA mortgage. Is this illegal?

I also get a W2. I work for a reputable dispensary operating over 40 stores in Florida. I understand it's not legal on the federal level but why am I paying federal taxes if they don't recognize cannabis income?

The easy fix would be to have it rescheduled to a schedule III... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 25, 2024

Your situation reflects a complex intersection of state and federal laws. While cannabis may be legal in certain states, including Florida, it remains illegal under federal law. This legal discrepancy leads to your current dilemma: despite receiving a W-2 and paying federal taxes, your income from... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for Florida on
Q: My sister sold my father’s property without giving me my share of the sale which is half according to his will.

My sister sold my father’s property for $24,500 without informing me. According to my father’s will (of which my sister has a copy) I’m supposed to get half of the sale. Dad’s attorney P.B. Howell Jr. passed away in 2006. Dad passed away in 2017. Since my father’s passing, I have been... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Mar 27, 2024

Title to property will not pass under a will that deeds it to multiple beneficiaries unless they all sign. The exception is if title to the property at decedent’s death was jointly held with your dad and sister jointly or was held by sister alone. Hire a title insurance company to search the... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for Florida on
Q: My sister sold my father’s property without giving me my share of the sale which is half according to his will.

My sister sold my father’s property for $24,500 without informing me. According to my father’s will (of which my sister has a copy) I’m supposed to get half of the sale. Dad’s attorney P.B. Howell Jr. passed away in 2006. Dad passed away in 2017. Since my father’s passing, I have been... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Mar 19, 2024

Your inquiry has a very mysterious set of facts. If a Will gives real property (house, condo, land, etc.) to two individuals to share 50/50, the Will must be probated - that is, a petition to open an estate in the Probate Court must be filed, resulting in a Court Order giving 50/50 ownership,... View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.